We are all broken. We think of this as our biggest liability, but the reality is that the beauty in our brokenness is overwhelming.
Cancer. Addiction. Chronic pain. Anxiety. Poor physical fitness. Depression. Job burnout. No one I know wants experiences like these, but everyone I know has some. Does that mean we are somehow diminished?
We come into the world as a small bundle of needs, completely dependent on our parents, unable to control even the movements of our limbs. We are not angels – our will is frail and flawed. Yet, as we grow, we are told to seize the day, hold the fort, take charge of our future. We are fed with illusions of control and individuality, and we begin believe that sanity consists of the ability to shape our world to our own desires. Our entertainments feature actors and athletes who are strong, beautiful, powerful. Our cultural narratives promote constant self-improvement, rising above our humble beginnings, and eliminating our flaws. We learn to fear our weaknesses as cracks in the armor that protects us from harm.
That’s all backwards. Read More →
It’s no secret that children growing up in our society face a multitude of challenges. They face the ubiquitous presence of alcohol and drugs, media saturated with sexuality, and a culture that struggles to plausibly stand behind basic values. Not to mention a high likelihood that they will not make it to adulthood with both parents in the same stable marriage. As parents, we want to find ways of shepherding our children through these dangers, and we often go to great lengths to provide worthwhile, productive and affirming experiences.
In my last post I offered a 
So I am sure you know that there is no conflict between science and revelation. If I asked, you would tell me that when science discovers truth, it cannot conflict with religious revelation because the truths of science and the Church have their source in the same Author. But nevertheless, sometimes it is alleged that “science” disproves/replaces/invalidates religion.
In my last post I discussed some considerations that one might take into account as they discern whether they are ready to take psychotropic medication. As a follow-up to that post I want to explore some practical, non-medication related suggestions for coping with anxiety and depression, as well as discuss 10 common thought errors/distortions that cause many of us difficulty. In order to do this, however, It is necessary to provide some background on the various ways psychological disturbances are conceptualized.
When I was growing up older folks often spoke of a “mid-life crisis.” Hitting forty was usually the critical period they had in mind. These days I’ve noticed it hits a lot sooner. Maybe it’s because we live in a “youth culture” that forces the questions of aging and being successful a lot quicker. Maybe it’s just the stress. But these days, there’s just something about the mid-thirties that hits a lot of folks. I was no exception. My mid-thirties were difficult years for me—years filled with anxiety and self-doubt.